“Insane” is such an overused word to describe Komikon. I used that word a lot. But I’m honestly at a loss to use any other word to perfectly describe it. Well, perhaps “INSANER” would be apt. Because that’s just how it was. This thing just keeps getting bigger and bigger. They’ve had to use up space that was used for circulation and navigation at past conventions to give space for more exhibitors. And it still wasn’t enough. I swear, if Manila had rules for crowd control as SDCC, they’d have shut the event down. I make no exaggeration when I say it was THAT huge.

As a backgrounder for those tuning in just now. “Komikon” was started in 2005, and was held usually during October or November. Over the next few years, the event had gotten so popular that the organizers added a “Summer Komikon” during the months of April or May. The events have gotten even more popular that a third event was spun off by the organizers called “Indieket”, which happens around June or July. These are the biggest three days of the year for the new Philippine komiks. The event yesterday was the FIFTH Summer Komikon.

Because of the popularity of such events, local comic book creators take this opportunity to launch and sell new (and older) titles. I was no exception. I had decided to launch the WASTED reprint during this event, knowing many of those asking me for copies for years would be present. Ever since Komikon and Summer Komikon began, people have approached me about getting print copies of this almost 20 year old out of print book.

I was completely amazed by the reception Wasted has gotten. All in all, I have sold around 350 copies at the event, which is kind of a record for me. I would usually sell 100-200 copies of a new title (like Elmer) at past Komikons. I tried my best to show my appreciation by sketching on every copy along with an autograph. I took longer than I usually would on one book that a long line formed, which kind of a new thing for me. I usually see that thing only with Manix Abrera.

Photo by Jonas Diego.

Because I had to finish inking an issue of Avengers before Komikon, I stayed up all night the night before. I only had less than an hour of sleep before we had to push ahead to Komikon. I think must have looked like a mess. Apologies to everyone who might have thought was kind of “off”. Well I was a bit off, but tried my best to be as cheerful as I possibly could.

Because I was so busy at my table, I did not have the opportunity to go around and actually buy the awesome new comics that these indie guys have produced. Copies did manage to find their way to me anyway, which was great. Thanks to all those who gave me comics. You didn’t have to, but I want to thank you nevertheless. I would have bought them if only I had the time. However, I do have to mention this dude who had this really uncool way of selling me his comic book. Really uncool. I’ll say no more about that.

I was looking forward to a few titles that I knew were coming out and one of these was Robert Magnuson’s “Kuting Magiting“.

As soon as Robert handed me a copy of the comic book before the convention doors opened, me and Ilyn shut everything off and just read it right away. Very soon we were laughing our heads off. It’s a wonderful, wonderful comic book. Robert’s storytelling skills are just absolutely brilliant. This is probably my favorite comic book of Summer Komikon, perhaps my favorite comic book of 2013 so far!

Here’s a Kuting Magiting video trailer:

At the end of the video, it looks like this comic book will be published by Toddler Books from Hiyas. Here’s hoping it’s in full color. Because if there’s one thing that would bring this piece of work even closer to perfection, that would be color. Congrats to Robert, and great job!

Since we’re on the subject of trailers, a trailer to a short film adaptation of Macoy Tang’s “Ang Maskot” was shown at the convention. Oh man… I love it already. And then Ramon Bautista steps in. Wala na, this thing is on critical mass.

Other comic books I got at the event:

I’ll probably do a review of some of these, specially those who actually asked me for a review. You’re sure about that right? I tend to be very honest when I do reviews. Hang on for that. They would be coming in the next few days.

I barely looked up from signing during most of the convention. But something happened during the late afternoon that stopped me in my tracks, made me stand up and watch what was going on atop the stage. Omeng Estanislao was there (I talked plenty about Omeng here on this blog) saying something on the mic. His girlfriend Ails Casis (who is also a cartoonist) was there as well. “PURE” by Lightning Seeds was playing and I’m thinking what the hell was going on. And then THIS happened.

Photo by Jonas Diego.

OH MY GOD. For reals? Thunderous cheering followed. This practically stopped everything. It was quite a spectacular sight to see. I have to admit, I got teary eyed. I’m so happy for Omeng and Ails. Of course Ails said YES. This is a first for Komikon! This will go down as something people will never forget. Ikaw na, Omeng! Ikaw na!! :)

Of course I caught it on video! Check out my short Summer Komikon 2013 video:

I must take a moment to thank the Komikon organizers for such a successful event. Not just this particular Summer Komikon, but KOMIKON in general. They’ve been doing this for years and they now function like a super efficient well oiled machine. Thank you very much to all of you: Sherry Baet Zamar, Jon Zamar, Lyndon Gregorio, Lei Muncal, and Ariel Atienza (have I missed anybody?). You guys are AWESOME.

They keep on thinking up new ways to make each event bigger than the last. In the last few Komikons they’ve been releasing the Komikon newspaper along with a catalog of all new available titles:

As if the three Manila Komikon events aren’t enough, they’ve been helping out with regional comics conventions as well. As far as I know they had a hand in organizing the “Sirko ng Komiks: The First Komikon Baguio Komiks Convention“. They even sent a delegation (including ME) to the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention (STGCC). In the Komikon newspaper I wrote a long article of my Singapore experience with Komikon, and I want to reiterate here that I’m truly amazed at this group’s undying love for Philippine Komiks and their efforts to promote it not only here in the Philippines, but abroad. My hat’s off to you guys. If I wore hats that is.

Johnny Danganan and the Komikero Artists group held another fund raising auction for the benefit of the Lapis at Papel Charity, which seeks to provide impoverished school children in the Philippines which much needed school supplies. At the Komikero table was Leinil Francis Yu, who graciously donated time and an awesome Wolverine sketch done on the spot, to help raise funds for the auction.

Photo by Jonas Diego. Leinil Yu sketches.

Many other artists donated artwork to be auctioned off including Ed Tadeo, Dan R. Borgonos, Jethro Morales, Gerry Alanguilan, Leinil Francis Yu, Visconde Carlo Vergara, Manix Abrera, Lui Antonio, Jomar Bulda, Stephen Jorge Espino Segovia, etc. At the end of the day we were able to raise at least 20 thousand pesos for charity! That’s pretty awesome. Thanks to everyone who donated art as well as all those who helped support the auction by bidding and buying.

Here are a few more photos from the Summer Komikon 2013:

Robert Magnuson and Emil Flores.

JB Gamboa and the Hey, Baby! guy.

Photo by Jonas Diego. Someone wanted to buy the photo.

Oh yeah! Before I forget… something else earth shattering happened during the event! Something so unbelievable that I’m still reeling from it. To be honest, I still don’t believe it. EDGAR TADEO HAD A HAIRCUT.

After 15 years of having that long hair, he finally decided to cut it all off! I actually almost failed to recognize him. I thought he was just some lookalike. It really all began back at Whilce Portacio’s Starfire Studios around 1996. Three of us had really long hair: Gilbert Monsanto, Leinil Francis Yu and myself. Ed got into the act himself. Very soon Gilbert, Leinil and I decided to cut it all off, but Ed kept his. He kept it for the next 15 years. So yeah, seeing Ed yesterday without his trademark supercurly locks… that really was a big deal.

I had to say this, Gerry, I’m happy and sad at the same time. Haba ng line mo, so I had to ask people sa line na bumili muna ng komiks ko habang waiting sila to get your Wasted. :P May bumili naman kahit papaano. Hehe! I’m actually happy, na may bagong Wasted ulit! Parang ito nag-push for us to self-publish. Biggest inspiration!